EP0669119A1 - Dispositif de guidage - Google Patents

Dispositif de guidage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0669119A1
EP0669119A1 EP95250006A EP95250006A EP0669119A1 EP 0669119 A1 EP0669119 A1 EP 0669119A1 EP 95250006 A EP95250006 A EP 95250006A EP 95250006 A EP95250006 A EP 95250006A EP 0669119 A1 EP0669119 A1 EP 0669119A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal
control device
transmitter
receiver
person
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95250006A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Uwe Fischer
Jörg Fischer
Oliver Buggermann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP0669119A1 publication Critical patent/EP0669119A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/06—Walking aids for blind persons
    • A61H3/061—Walking aids for blind persons with electronic detecting or guiding means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/06—Walking aids for blind persons
    • A61H3/061—Walking aids for blind persons with electronic detecting or guiding means
    • A61H2003/063—Walking aids for blind persons with electronic detecting or guiding means with tactile perception
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a control device, in particular a guide for the blind, for orienting a person in their surroundings, which has the following elements arranged on a head covering: a transmitter for transmitting a signal, a receiver for receiving a signal which is then reflected by an obstacle in the environment, and an evaluation device, which controls a signal generator via a control signal.
  • an improved blind staff known from DE-A1-40 04 438 contains sensors for detecting and measuring distances to objects. The measured values are passed on to the user acoustically or mechanically via headphones. The cane must be handled as a separate aid, so that the user's freedom of action is restricted.
  • An orientation aid known from DE-A1-37 43 696 converts measurement signals emitted by a transmitter, reflected on an obstacle and received by a receiver into acoustic signals. After locating an obstacle, its outline is scanned by a freely movable infrared beam. Reflected portions of the infrared beam are converted into acoustic signals with different timbres as a measure of the distance and different amplitudes as a measure of the object size. Operating the infrared beam and evaluating the acoustic signals put a strain on the individual. In addition, the ability to perceive additional acoustic information occurring at the same time is impaired.
  • a control device is known from DE-A1-28 16 530, the output signal of which changes abruptly when the value falls below a preselected distance between the control device and an obstacle.
  • the frequency of the output signal is a measure of the distance.
  • the output signal can be converted into a mechanical oscillation, the type and location of transmission of this oscillation not being described in detail.
  • a control device of the type mentioned at the outset which is known from DE-A1-39 42 093, depicts obstacles located in the vicinity as virtual noise sources.
  • the signals emitted by a transmitter and reflected on an obstacle are received by receptions arranged on a pitch circle and processed for a two-channel acoustic output.
  • the respective frequency represents the distance and the distribution of the amplitude over the two channels the obstacle position.
  • the perception of the two-channel acoustic image of the environment requires a high concentration from the user.
  • the continuous acoustic information transmission even in static situations virtually excludes further auditory perceptions of the environment.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a control device which is particularly inconspicuous and which ensures both reliable information acquisition and reliable, unobtrusive transmission of the information obtained to the person.
  • the information transfer should not impair the other, especially acoustic, sensory perceptions of the person.
  • a control device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the evaluation device generates a control signal in the event of a frequency difference between the transmitted and then the received signal, that the signal transmitter is a knocking signal generator which performs knocking movements when actuated, and that the knocking signal generator is such on rear area of the headgear is arranged so that its tapping movements act on the skin surface of the occipital area of the person.
  • An infrared radiation source is conceivable as a transmitter for the control device; however, the evaluable reflections in the infrared range depend on the color and the surface properties of the reflecting objects.
  • an ultrasound source false signals generated by noise sources in the ultrasound frequency range may have to be filtered out.
  • Transmitters and receivers working on radar frequency are preferred because radar frequencies (GHz range) are largely insensitive to external interference, their reflective properties are independent of the surface quality and color of the reflecting object and allow a sufficiently wide detection spectrum of the environment.
  • the radiation characteristic of the radar signals generates control signals both in the case of relative movements in the normal and in the parallel direction to the object.
  • a particular advantage of the invention is that by evaluating the frequency difference between the emitted signal and the signal then reflected by the environment, control signals are only generated when there is a relative movement between the control device and (objects) of the environment. The control device thus warns reliably when approaching an obstacle and / or moving obstacles, without stressing static signals by emitting signals.
  • the headgear which is inconspicuous and easy to wear as a headgear, acts mechanically via the knock signal generator on the skin surface in the back of the person's head and thus at a particularly inconspicuous point.
  • a reliable transmission of information from the control device to the person is advantageously made possible without impairing the other sensory perceptions. If visual perception is restricted, the other perceptions, particularly the acoustic ones, are of considerably increased importance.
  • An energy supply is preferably also arranged on the headgear. According to an advantageous development of the invention, to support the energy supply and / or to charge a rechargeable energy supply, it is provided that the headgear bears solar cells that feed the energy supply.
  • a particularly elegant and compact embodiment of the control device according to the invention provides that the transmitter and the receiver are contained in a module which is arranged on a screen in the front area of a visor cap.
  • an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides a further transmitter and a further receiver, preferably a further radar signal transmitter and a further radar signal receiver, which are arranged on a belt.
  • an advantageous further development of the invention further provides: a further evaluation device, which detects the environment if there is a frequency difference between one transmitted by the further transmitter and one subsequently received by the further receiver reflected signal generates a further control signal, and by a further knock signal generator, which is arranged in the rear area of the headgear in such a way that its tapping movements performed when the further control signal is applied act on the skin surface in the back of the person's head.
  • the sensitivity of the evaluation device and / or the further evaluation device is adjustable.
  • the sensitivity can preferably be set to a short range (e.g. up to approx. 1.5 m obstacle distance) and a long range (e.g. up to 5 m obstacle distance).
  • a particularly pleasant and less stressful perception of the signals acting on the back of the person's head and a low load on the signal generator can be achieved if the signals emitted by the signal generator do not exceed a maximum frequency of preferably approximately 10 Hz.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the control signal and / or the further control signal is a periodic signal with a predefinable minimum period.
  • the control device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B contains a first radar signal transmitter 1 and a first radar signal receiver 2, which are arranged in a radar module 3.
  • the radar module 3 is upstream of a housing 5 in which an evaluation device 6 is located.
  • the radar module 3 and the housing 5 are arranged on a screen 8 in the front area 9 of a headgear 10 designed as a visor cap.
  • the evaluation device 6 is connected via electrical control lines (not shown) to a signal unit 15 which is fixed to a holder 16 in the rear region 17 of the headgear 10.
  • An energy supply 22 consists of several rechargeable batteries 23 and is connected to the evaluation device 6 and the radar module 3 via supply lines (not shown).
  • a plurality of solar cells 25 are provided on the headgear 10, which feed the energy supply 22 and contribute to the support or recharging of the batteries 23.
  • a second radar module 29 contains a second radar signal transmitter 30 and a second radar signal receiver 31 and is attached to a belt 35.
  • the radar module 29 is connected via a socket 36, a connecting cable 38 and a socket 39 connectable to the power supply 22 on the housing 5.
  • the radar module 29 can also be connected to the evaluation device 6 via the connecting cable 38; however, it is preferably connected to a further evaluation device 40.
  • the first radar module 3, 29 can be activated via a first toggle switch 41 and the second radar module via a second toggle switch 42.
  • Another toggle switch 43 is used to set the sensitivities of the evaluation devices 6, 40 and thus to set the detection range of the control device. The position of the toggle switches 41, 42, 43 can be easily felt.
  • a first knock signal generator 50 is assigned to the first radar signal receiver 2 and the first evaluation device 6 and a second knock signal generator 51 is assigned to the second radar signal receiver 31 and the second evaluation device 40.
  • the knock signal transmitters 50, 51 are contained in the signal unit 15 and have electromagnetically movable tappets 53, 54.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show a person 60 carrying the control device on his head 58, who is moving in the direction of the arrow 61 towards a fixed obstacle 65.
  • Radar signals 70 are emitted by the radar signal transmitter 1, which are reflected by the obstacle 65 in the environment 66 of the person 60 and return as reflected radar signals 71 to the person 60 and thus to the radar signal receiver 2. Due to the relative movement between the obstacle 65 and the person, the received radar signals 71 have a frequency increase which is dependent on the relative movement speed.
  • FIG. 3 shows in detail the seat of the head covering 10 on the head 58.
  • the tappets 53, 54 (FIG. 1B) are aligned with the back of the head area 72 of the person 60.
  • the tappets 53, 54 intermittently exert mechanical pressure on the skin surface 73 of the occipital region 72.
  • FIG 4 shows schematically commercially available radar modules 3, 29 which e.g. are offered by Siemens AG under the designation SMX1 (delivery code (Q62702-R309) and operate at a frequency of 9.35 GHz.
  • SMX1 delivery code (Q62702-R309)
  • the evaluation devices 6, 40 are acted upon on the input side by signals D1, D2 generated by the radar modules 3, 40, which have a frequency corresponding to the frequency difference
  • the evaluation devices 6, 40 provide control signals ST1, ST2 on the output side for the knock signal transmitters 50, 51.
  • the knock signal transmitters 50, 51 have a relay-like structure with an electromagnet 55 or 56, the tie rod of which moves the respective tappet 53 or 54 against a spring restoring force.
  • FIG. 5 shows the circuit of the evaluation devices 6 and 40 in detail.
  • the circuit comprises a filter stage with an operational amplifier N1 for filtering out interference frequencies which can be generated, for example, by fluorescent tubes in the environment.
  • Switch 43 changes the feedback of operational amplifier N1 and thus the gain factor; the sensitivity of the evaluation circuit can be set to a short range (e.g. up to 1.5 m) and a long range (e.g. up to 5 m).
  • a further operational amplifier N2 (comparator) whose threshold value can be adjusted via a potentiometer PT converts the filter stage output signal into a (threshold-dependent) square-wave signal and feeds it to a monostable multivibrator N3.
  • the flip-flop N3 limits the frequency of the control signal ST1 (or ST2 of the evaluation device 40) periodically emitted on the output side for the duration of the signal D1 to a predetermined minimum period. As a result, the frequency of the knocking pulses of the signal transmitters 50, 51 is limited to a physiologically optimal value. Overuse of the knock signal generators is also avoided.
  • the radar modules 3, 29, which are preferably arranged at head height and belly height (belt) and via the separate knock signal transmitters 50, 51, reliably differentiate obstacles with regard to their vertical position.
  • the changeable detection range and the optional switching on of one or both radar modules allow the control device to be optimally adapted to the environmental and situation-related requirements.
  • the knock impulses emitted by the knock signal transmitters to the back of the head are differentiated from other environmental impressions and are clearly perceptible without restricting the other, in particular tactile and acoustic, possibilities of perception.
  • the control device only emits signals when the control device and a possible obstacle move relative to each other; this means that the person can also get the required information about their surroundings by moving their heads.

Landscapes

  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
EP95250006A 1994-01-26 1995-01-13 Dispositif de guidage Withdrawn EP0669119A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4402764A DE4402764C2 (de) 1994-01-26 1994-01-26 Leitgerät, insbesondere Blindenleitgerät
DE4402764 1994-01-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0669119A1 true EP0669119A1 (fr) 1995-08-30

Family

ID=6509050

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95250006A Withdrawn EP0669119A1 (fr) 1994-01-26 1995-01-13 Dispositif de guidage

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0669119A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE4402764C2 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2291551B (en) * 1994-06-24 1998-03-18 Roscoe C Williams Limited Electronic viewing aid
EP1396247A1 (fr) * 2002-09-09 2004-03-10 Hubert Grooten Dispositif portable d'aide à la mobilité pour les malvoyants
US7755744B1 (en) 2007-08-15 2010-07-13 Thomas Leberer Environment sensor that conveys information about objects in the vicinity of the visually impaired user
US8120521B2 (en) * 2003-10-28 2012-02-21 Preco Electronics, Inc. Radar echolocater with audio output

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2762446B1 (fr) * 1997-04-22 1999-05-21 Michel Philippe Marcel Grignon Couvre chef generateur photovoltaique
DE19820176A1 (de) * 1997-04-30 1998-11-12 Ludger Prof Woeste Orientierungshilfe für Blinde und Sehbehinderte
GB9726014D0 (en) * 1997-12-09 1998-02-04 Univ Leeds Spatial awareness device
DE10041085C2 (de) * 2000-08-22 2003-04-30 Fujitsu Siemens Computers Gmbh Tragbares Orientierungssystem

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3383682A (en) * 1966-10-24 1968-05-14 Univ Utah Radar glasses for the blind
US3592965A (en) * 1967-08-22 1971-07-13 Zaid Diaz Apparatus for converting cathode ray portrayable information to spacial images
US3704378A (en) * 1970-04-17 1972-11-28 Morse Robb Viewscope for the blind
DE3942093A1 (de) * 1989-12-20 1990-05-31 Feser Werner Elektronisches orientierungshilfsmittel fuer blinde mit ortungs-frequenzgang-ausgabe

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
PL77169B1 (fr) * 1971-12-18 1975-04-30
FR2280240B1 (fr) * 1974-07-26 1977-01-07 Lignes Telegraph Telephon Circuit micro-onde integre a fonctions multiples
DE2816530A1 (de) * 1978-04-17 1979-10-18 Fachhochschule Furtwangen Blindenleitgeraet
DE3743696A1 (de) * 1987-12-18 1989-06-29 Kolbatz Klaus Peter Orientierungshilfe fuer blinde
DE4004438A1 (de) * 1990-02-14 1991-08-22 Manfred Laschuetza Stab zur fuehrung blinder personen

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3383682A (en) * 1966-10-24 1968-05-14 Univ Utah Radar glasses for the blind
US3592965A (en) * 1967-08-22 1971-07-13 Zaid Diaz Apparatus for converting cathode ray portrayable information to spacial images
US3704378A (en) * 1970-04-17 1972-11-28 Morse Robb Viewscope for the blind
DE3942093A1 (de) * 1989-12-20 1990-05-31 Feser Werner Elektronisches orientierungshilfsmittel fuer blinde mit ortungs-frequenzgang-ausgabe

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
O. PALACZ: "MEHRKANALIGER ELEKTROPHTHALM NACH STARKIEWICZ", AUGENOPTIK, vol. 92, no. 5, pages 134 - 137 *

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2291551B (en) * 1994-06-24 1998-03-18 Roscoe C Williams Limited Electronic viewing aid
EP1396247A1 (fr) * 2002-09-09 2004-03-10 Hubert Grooten Dispositif portable d'aide à la mobilité pour les malvoyants
US8120521B2 (en) * 2003-10-28 2012-02-21 Preco Electronics, Inc. Radar echolocater with audio output
US7755744B1 (en) 2007-08-15 2010-07-13 Thomas Leberer Environment sensor that conveys information about objects in the vicinity of the visually impaired user

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4402764C2 (de) 1996-02-08
DE4402764A1 (de) 1995-07-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0205931B1 (fr) Dispositif de mesure de fonctions vitales d'un sujet, en particulier d'un nourrisson
DE69821649T2 (de) Gerät zum erteilen von räumlicher kenntnis
EP0984754B1 (fr) Auxiliaire d'orientation pour malvoyants
DE69532207T2 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung zur gleichzeitigen auswertung von ambulant-registrierten bewegungssignalen verschiedener körperteile eines probanden
DE3743180C2 (fr)
DE2732836C2 (fr)
WO1987004549A1 (fr) Dispositif pour determiner la position d'un objet mobile
EP0459388B1 (fr) Dispositif générateur de stimulations tactiles par vibration d'un piston placé sur la peau humaine
EP0573765A1 (fr) Méthode et dispositif de surveillance de la variation d'état de mouvement des articles ou des parties du corps humain
DE10113735A1 (de) Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Geräuschreduzierung
DE3807004A1 (de) Ultraschall-behandlungsgeraet
DE102011076891A1 (de) Orientierungshilfe für Personen mit eingeschränktem Sehvermögen
EP0152905B1 (fr) Procédé et appareil pour localiser des points de mesure par des impulsions ultrasoniques
DE4402764C2 (de) Leitgerät, insbesondere Blindenleitgerät
DE3109026C2 (de) Respiratorisches Biofeedbackgerät
DE3607262A1 (de) Schaltungsanordnung zum ueberwachen des kontakts zwischen einem ultraschallwandler und einem patienten
DE9415210U1 (de) Leitgerät
DE2015294A1 (de) Leitvorrichtung
DE4119150A1 (de) Messanordnung fuer die ganganalyse
DE3322528A1 (de) Ueberwachungseinrichtung fuer einen rueckwaertigen totbereich eines kraftfahrzeugs
AT524252B1 (de) Leitvorrichtung für Personen mit eingeschränktem Sehvermögen
DE3808260C1 (en) Screen device
DE2932659A1 (de) Vorrichtung zur orientierungshilfe fuer blinde
EP0749744A1 (fr) Appareil de guidage pour les aveugles
DE9300256U1 (de) Blindenstock

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB IT LU NL

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19960301